High cholesterol

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have been recalled by my GP due to high cholesterol. I believe this is due to Prednisolone. Am I right?

Also read that it has been muted that long-term statin taking could cause PMR. Have any studies/proof been evidenced on this?

2

Yes, pred can cause raised cholesterol levels. 

At least one manufacturer's data sheet for a statin lists PMR as an adverse effect. They commonly cause muscle and joint aches and pains - as if we didn't have enough! I had a very bad reaction to a statin: I left hospital able to walk reasonably well, albeit on crutches because of an achilles problem. In a week I couldn't walk up a small slope without being totally out of breath! I stopped the statin (with my cardiologist's blessing as I haven't had a first "cardiovascular event" so they are felt to be of no benefit) and it took a few months to get back where I had been pre-statin.

3

I also asked my GP for a 'statin holiday' a few years ago, but wonder if statins triggered PMR. Thanks for your reassurance.

4

My cholesterol has also increased quite a lot- altho I can't get the HDL/LDL breakdown due to the fact its non-fasting as I must eat yogurt to take my non enteric coated Pred each morning. I do know however that 'fasting' cholesterol is not now thought to be much different than non-fasting. I also have decided following Eileen's example not to take statins as I also have not had a cardiovascular 'event'.

5

Hello Eileen, another question for you. Just been on Pred for 12 months now and bone scan shows higher scor -3+ in spine. Not saying this higher score is due to Pred alone, but we all know there is a possibity that Pred can have a negative effect on bones. Do you know of an over the counter pill apart from Calcium 600 twice daily? I'm now down to 2 mg from 20mg Pred and rather stuck at this level. I know 2mg is not considered high. And I don't know how long I'll be there, but I can't take Fosamax, and don't really want to take the infusion drug as the side effects Dont sound too good! However, I don't want my spine to crumble, which is what one is told if you don't do anything. Any suggestions? Thanks for all your excellent advice. Freda

6

Hi there,

yes my my cholesterol was up, and has never been up before!!!! But I will stay away from statins. All the best, Ida.

7

Me too. I'll not be taking them if offered by the GP!

8

Anhaga is the person to ask about bone-related supplements and activities. My bone density reading are all good so I have only ever used the calcium/vit D supplements (I assume that is what you mean - the vit D is as important as the calcium)

Spine densities are often lower and unfortunately it is a bit more difficult to build the density there - but Anhaga has increased her bone density with diet and vit K2 supplements and exercise.

However - I think the received wisdom is that at 2mg there is nothing more to worry about. And I suspect some of these doctor like to over-egg the pudding. There are a lot of thigs you can do to reduce the risks - with lifting and moving for example.

9

Freda,  I'll private message you the little essay I wrote for myself some time ago.  It's a bit dated now, but the "bones" are there, so to speak, and it does reflect what I did, and what in fact I still do, to help my bones.  

10

Hi Anhaga-

I, too, would appreciate your essay about ‘bones,” since I had been in osteoporosis range, now down to osteopenia, but will be on prednisone at least another year.  I was just diagnosed in January and started on 15mg.

Thank you! Amy

11

If you've moved from osteoporosis to osteopenia then you must be doing something right.  Maybe I should find out what you have been doing!

12

Thanks Anhaga-

That was when I took Fosamax (5 years). I did gain 4% of bone. Stayed in osteopenia range for 10 years with strength training exercises and am scheduled for a bone  density test because i’ve now been on prednisone 2 months.

   Wish I had additional suggestions.

13

When I started on this journey a friend of mine told me about Vitamin K2, which I now take as a supplement.  She also suggested Nordic walking.  I took this up, and do a bit a few times a week.  I also learned Tai chi  All these things are supposed to help with bone density, and the tai chi is also good for maintaining and improving sense of balance (less likelihood of falling).  Because of pred my diet is very low in refined carbs and high in leafy greens and protein.  I don't eat meat, but do eat dairy, eggs and some fish.  I'd eat more fish but am very worried about the state of the world's fisheries.

14

 Thank you again. Our diets sound very similar, and I have found a bread made in Germany that has no flour but is primarily rye seeds ground. It looks like  thinly sliced pumpernickel and takes the place of bread. I too eat mostly fish, beans and lots of greens. I do also eat chicken and dairy. Nordic walking is good and wish I were  sufficiently patient for tai chi. I’ve tried it several times I can never stick with it. Lots of success to you ...Amy